Silo roof



Patenied sept. 7, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SILO ROOF Application October 12, 1936, Serial No. 105,193

9 Claims.

My invention relates to a silo roof. It has to do, more particularly, with a silo roof which is in the form of a dome and will, therefore, have the well-known advantages o1' dome structures.

Several different types of dome roofs for silos have been devised in the past. However, all of these dome roofs have certain disadvantages. These roofs are usually made of sheet metal by providing a plurality of cooperating segments having their edges interlocking with each other. Since the segments are provided with ribs on their edges which interlock with corresponding ribs on adjacent segments, it is necessary that such segments be preformed to a definite curvature. Consequently, when shipping said segments it is necessary to crate them in such a manner that the predetermined curvature of the segments will be maintained. Obviously, this increases considerably the cost of shipping. Furthermore, since it is necessary for the ribs on the edges to be curved laterally, it is necessary to use special machinery in order to form such ribs and provide special shears for cutting the edges of the segments along curved lines. Another disadvantage of such prior art`dome roof structures has decided in the fact that because the edges of the segments interlock with each other, they could not readily adjust themselves to compensate for expansion and contraction or to it outof-round silos.

V One of the objects of my invention is to provide a dome roof for silos which is of simple structure and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of my invention is to provide a silo dome roof which is of such a nature that special crating for shipping is not necessary and it can be shipped knocked-down at a relatively low cost.

Another object of my invention is to provide a dome roof for silos which is constructed in such a manner that it will automatically adjust itself to compensate for expansion and contraction and to t out-of-round silos or silos of slightly different diameters.

Another object of my invention is to provide a dome -roof for silos which is ,of such a nature that the ordinary machinery and shears provided at metal shops may be used in forming it.

In its preferred form my invention contemplates the provision of a silo embodying a plurality of curved inner supporting ribs having a plurality of sheet metal segmental sections secured to the outer edges thereof. 'I'he edges of these sections overlap each other and are secured together by bolt and slot connection!s arranged (Cl. 10B-32) along curved lines. The segmental sheet metal sections do not have interlocking edges and, consequently, do not have ribs formed at their edges. Therefore, it is possible to make the segmental sections in the form of flat sheets which are bent to the proper curvature when they are bolted to .the inner ribs which are formed oi' a predetermined curvature. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the edges of the sections to be curved, since vthe edges of adjacent sections do not interlock, and, consequently, no special shears are necessary for cutting the edges. Since the adjacent sections are connected together by bolt and slot connections, they will automatically adjust themselves to iit out-oi'round silos and to compensate 15 for expansion and contraction.

'I'he preferred embodiment oi my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein: 2

Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing a dome roof made in accordance with the principles of my invention in position on a silo.

Figure 2 is a similar view but on a smaller scale 25 illustrating my dome roof with the lling door partly open.

Figure 3 is a section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a section illustrating the means for 30 connecting two adjacent segmental sections of the roof together and to a supporting rib.

Figure 5 is a detail in perspective illustrating means for securing the roof to a silo. ,A

Figure 6 is a plan view of one of the sheet metal 35 sections used in forming my dome roof.

Figure 7 is a view illustrating the lling door which I provide on the roof.

With reference to the drawings I have illustrated a dome roof for silos made according to 40 the principles of my invention. This roof embodies a supporting framework which is made up of a plurality of anged ribs I which are preferably formed oi' metal. These ribs I have their lower ends secured to a circular ring 2 45 which is adapted to be secured to the upper end of the silo in a suitable manner, for example, by means of clips or brackets 3. Each of these brackets has a lower portion I welded or otherwise secured to member 2 and an upper portion 50 5. This upper portion 5 has a vertical slot 6 therein and a bolt 1 cooperates therewith to secure the bracket adiustably to the member I.

Each of the ribs I is curved inwardly from its lower end to its upper end. All of these ribs I 55 are formed of such a predetermined curvature as to form a propel" framework for the dome roof. The upper end of each of the members I is connected to a iianged ring'B of comparatively small diameter Aby means of a bolt 9. Obviously, the adjacent ribs I are spaced farther apart at their lower ends than at their upper ends and gradually converge towards their upper ends. As previously stated, the ribs I are preformed to their predetermined proper curvature.

The covering for the framework is made up of a plurality of sheet metal sections III. 'I'hese sheet metal semental sections can be made in the form of at sheets as illustrated in Figure 6. Furthermore, it is not necessary to cut the edges along a curved line. On the other hand, it is possible to cut the edges with straight shears. To do this, it is merely necessary to cut each edge along two lines II and I2 which are at an obtuse angle to each other but each line is straight so that it can be cut with a straight shears. The lower edges II are substantially parallel with each other but taper slightly towards each other, as indicated, while the upper edges I2 converge towards the upper end of the sheet. Each edge of the sheet is provided with a plurality of Ytransverse slots I3 which are arranged along a curved line indicated by the line I3a and are substantially perpendicular thereto. The slots are so arranged that when the adjacent sections are bolted together, they cooperate `to form a dome surface.

The sheet metal sections III are bolted to the rib members I. Each of the sections III bridges the space between two adjacent rib members. The edges of the adjacent sections I overlap each other as indicated best in Figure 4. The bolts 1 pass through the members I and through the slots I3 in order to secure the sections III to the members I and the overlapping edges of the sections Ill together. Obviously, the edges of the adjacent sections III overlap each other in such a manner that the slots I3 in one section coincide with the slots I3 in the other section.

- The lower end of each section III overlaps the outer surface of the silo wall at the upper edge thereof, as indicated in Figure 5. The lower edge of each section is rolled as indicated at Illa to reinforce the section transversely and enA hance its appearance. The upper end of each section I0 terminates at the ring 8, as illustrated in Figure 3. Obviously, when the sections Il) are bolted to the ribs I, they assume the curvature of the ribs I. Because of the bolt-and-slot connections between the adjacent edges of the sections I0, they may automatically adjust themselves relative to each other so that the roof will lit on a s ilo which is out-of-round or of slightly different diameter from the `diameter of the lower end of the roof. Furthermore, this connection permits adjustment of the sections relative to each other to compensate for expansion and contraction.

In order to seal the joint between adjacent sections III and to cover the slots I3, I provide strips I4. These strips may also be made in substantially flat form although they are curved transversely slightly to correspond to the curvature of the roof. This strip is bent transversely to provide a. U-shaped center portion I5 which rests directly over the joint between the two adjacent sections. The outer edges of the members Il are turned downwardly at I6 so that the downturned edge will contact with the outer surface of the section I0 in such a manner that moisture the adjacent sections.

will not be permitted to reach the joint between The strip I4 is bolted in overlapping relation to the joint between the ad jacent sections by the same bolts l which secure the sections I0 to the -ribs I.V These bolts pass through openings of a corresponding size formed in the U-shaped portion I5 oi' member Il. Obviously, when the member I4 is bolted in position it will assume the curvature of the outer surface of the sections I0. The member Il extends from the extreme lower end of the sections III to the extreme upper end thereof.

In order to cover the opening provided within the ring B at the upper end of the roof. I provide a cap I'I of upwardly convex form. This cap is secured to the ring 8 by means of brackets I8 secured to the cap by bolts I9 and to the ring by the bolts 9. The cap II is provided with a portion 2li which extends outwardly a suiiicient distance to overlap the upper ends oi members Il, sections III, and rib members I, inl order to prevent leakage at this point. Since the portion 20 is inclined outwardly the water will tend to flow away from this joint rather than enter at such joint.

I provide a filling door 2| in my roof adjacent the lower edge thereof. This filling door is of such a type that when it is swung open it will lie against the roof and will be out of the way. It comprises a section 22 which is hinged at its outer edge to the roof by means of hinge straps 23 secured to the door section 22 and straps or lugs 2l secured to the roof at a joint between two sections, the members 23 and 24 being pivoted together by a vertically extending rod or pintle 25. The door section 22 is curved in such a manner that when closed it is of proper contour to form a continuation of the dome roof. 'Ihe hinge structure is so arranged as to permit this. Eachl edge of the door sections 22 is provided with a portion Ila of substantially the same structure as member I4 but slightly greater in dimensions so it can fit over member I4. Each edge Ila of the door overlaps the member I4 disposed at the edge of the doorway, when the door is closed, in order to provide a seal. In order to lock the door I provide a latch member embozhfing a curved bar'26 which is pivoted to the roof at a joint spaced the width of one section from the edge of the doorway. 'Ihis bar may be swung behind a lug 21 secured tothe door section to lock the door in position or it may be swung into inoperative position where it will hang out of the way of the doorway. t

It will be apparent from the above that I have provided a roof structure for silos having many desirable features. 'Ihis silo is of such a nature that it may be readily shipped in a knocked-down condition. The members III are in the form of at sheets which facilitates shipment. 'I'he only members of the roof which are of a predetermined curvature and must be preformed to such curvaturev are the ribs I. Obviously, these ribs could be bundled and shipped inexpensively.

My roof structure is of such a nature that it may be manufactured at a relatively low cost. No special machinery is required in order to provide curved ribs on the edges of the vsegments as is necessary with prior art roofs. Furthermore, ordinary straight shears may be provided for cutting the edges of the sections because it is not necessary that they be curved. My roof is much more simple to assemble and erect because the edges of the sections do not interlock with each other. The bolt-and-slot connections provided between the edges of the adjacent sections will permit the sections to automatically adjust themselves relative to each other in order to compensate for expansion and contraction, so that the roof will t out-of-round silos, or so that the roof will t silos of slightly diiierent diameter.

My roof structure is of pleasing appearance and will have all of the well known advantages of dome structures.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim is:

1. A silo roof comprising a plurality of segmental sections joined together to form a roof of dome-like form, the edges of the adjacent sections overlapping each other, said edges being cut along straight lines, means for securing the overlapping edges together, said means comprising a plurality of bolts passing through corresponding slots formed in the overlapping edges of the adjacent sections, said slots being disposed along a curved line.

2. A silo roof comprising a supporting frame made up of a plurality of curved ribs having their lower ends secured to a lower ring at circumferentially spaced intervals and their upper ends secured to a smaller ring at circumferentially spaced intervals, said ribs being preformed to a predetermined curvature, the adjacent ribs gradually converging towards their upper ends, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed of a plurality of segmental sections, each of said sections being made of a flat sheet having straight line edges, each edge of said sheet being provided with transverse slots arranged along a curved line, said sheets being disposed on said frame in such a manner that the edges oi' the sheets overlap each other, means for securing the sheets to the frame so that the sheets will assume the curvature oi' the ribs of the frame, said means comprising bolts passing through the ribs and through the slots formed in the overlapping edges of said sheets, means for sealing the joints at the adjacent edges of the sheets, said means comprising strips disposed in covering relation to said joints, and means for closing the opening formed within the smaller ring at the upper end of the roof, said means comprising a cap which is disposed over said opening.

3. A silo rooil comprising a supporting frame made up of a plurality of curved ribs having their lower ends secured to a lower ring at circumferentially spaced intervals and their upper ends secured to a smaller ring at circumferentially spaced intervals, said ribs being preformed to a predetermined curvature, the adjacent ribs gradually converging towards their upper ends, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed of a plurality of segmental sections, each of said sections being made o1' a ilat sheet having straight line edges, each edge of said sheet being provided with transverse slots arranged along a curved line, said sheets being disposed on said frame in such a'manner that the edges of the sheets overlap each other, means for securing the sheets to the frame so that the sheets will assume the curvature of the ribs of the frame, said means comprising bolts passing through the ribs and through the slots formed in the overlapping edges of the sheets, and means for sealing the joint at the adjacent edges of the sheets, said means comprising strips disposed in covering relation to said joints.

4. A silo roof comprising a supporting frame made up of a plurality of curved ribs having their lower ends secured to a lower ring at circumferentally spaced intervals and'their upper ends secured to a smaller ring at circumferentialiy spaced intervals, said ribs having a predetermined curvature, the adjacent ribs gradually converging towards their upper ends, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed of a plurality o! segmental sections, each of said sections being Amade of a flat sheet, each edge oi said sheet being provided with slots arranged along a curved line. said sheets being disposed on said frame in such a manner that the edges of the sheets overlap each other, and means for securing the sheets to the frame so that the sheets will assume the curvature of theribs of the frame, said means comprising bolts passing through the ribs and through the slots iormed in the overlapping edges of the sheet.

5. A silo roof comprising a supporting i'rame made up oi' a plurality of curved ribs arranged to form a dome-like structure, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed o! a plurality of segmental sections, each of said sections being made of a flat sheet having straight-line edges, said sheets being secured to said frame in such a manner that the edges of the sheets will overlap each other and the sheets will assume the curvature of the ribs oi' the frame.

-6. A silo roof oi.' dome form comprising a supporting frame of dome-like structure made up of a plurality of curved ribs having their lower ends arranged at circumferentially spaced intervals around a circle, said, ribs being preformed to a predetermined curvature, the adjacent ribs gradually converging towards their upper ends, the upper ends of the ribs being connected together, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed of a plurality of sections adapted to form segments of the dome, each of said sec tions being made of a ilat sheet, said sheets being disposed on said frame in such a manner that the edges of the sheets overlap said ribs, and means for securing the edges of said adjacent sheets to the ribs of said frame in such a manner that the sheets will assume the curvature of said ribs, the edges of adjacent sheets being free from each other, said means comprising pin-andslot connections which permit limited transverse movement of the sheets relative to the ribs.

7. A silo roof oi' dome form comprising a supporting frame of dome-like structure made up of-a plurality of curved ribs having their lower ends arranged at circumferentially spaced intervals around a circle, said ribs being preformed to a predetermined curvature, the adjacent ribs gradually converging towards their upper ends, a covering for said frame, said covering being cornposed of a plurality of sections adapted to form segments oi' the dome, said sections being formed oi' i'lat sheets, and means i'or securing the sheets to the i'rame so that the sheets will assume thecurvature of the ribs of the i'rame, the edges of adjacent sheets being free from each other, said means permitting limited transverse movement of the sheets relative tothe frame and to each other.

8. A silo roof of dome form comprising a supporting frame of dome-like structure made up of a plurality o! curved ribs having their lower ends arranged at circumferentially spaced intervals around a circle, said ribs being preformed to a predetermined curvature, the adjacent ribs gradually converging towards their upper ends, a covering for said. frame, said covering being composed o a plurality of sheet metal sections adapted to form segments of the dome, said sections being formed of 11sty sheets, and' means for securing the sheets to the frame so that the sheets will assume the curvature o! the ribs of the frame,l the edges of the adjacent sheets being tree from each other.

9. A silo roof of dome form comprising a supporting frame of dome-like structure, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed of a plurality o! sheet metal sections adapted to form segments of the dome, said segments being formed of flat sheets, and means for securing the sheets to the frame in such a. manner that the sheets will assume the curvature of the frame, the edges of adjacent sheets being non-interlocking.

CHARLES A. BANGERT.

DISOLAIFM ER 22.-Uha les A. Ban ert Columbus, Ohio'. 2,0927 T Ig)iscla,imer led February 4, 1939, by the assignee, Lamtember 7, 1937. 'neck Products, Incorporated.

SILo RooF. Patent dated Sep- Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 7, 8, and 9 in'ssid specification.

[O c'ial Gazette March 14, 1939.]

ed to form segments of the dome, said sections being formed of 11sty sheets, and' means for securing the sheets to the frame so that the sheets will assume the curvature o! the ribs of the frame,l the edges of the adjacent sheets being tree from each other.

9. A silo roof of dome form comprising a supporting frame of dome-like structure, a covering for said frame, said covering being composed of a plurality o! sheet metal sections adapted to form segments of the dome, said segments being formed of flat sheets, and means for securing the sheets to the frame in such a. manner that the sheets will assume the curvature of the frame, the edges of adjacent sheets being non-interlocking.

CHARLES A. BANGERT.

DISOLAIFM ER 22.-Uha les A. Ban ert Columbus, Ohio'. 2,0927 T Ig)iscla,imer led February 4, 1939, by the assignee, Lamtember 7, 1937. 'neck Products, Incorporated.

SILo RooF. Patent dated Sep- Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 7, 8, and 9 in'ssid specification.

[O c'ial Gazette March 14, 1939.] 

